Court of Appeals Nominee Jenny Rivera smiles as a Senator praises her during the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary hearing on the nomination of Rivera at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Albany, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

NYS Bar Association president Seymour W. James speaks in favor of Court of Appeals nominee Professor Jenny Rivera in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee Feb. 4, 2013 at her confirmation hearing at the State Capitol in Albany. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Court of Appeals nominee Professor Jenny Rivera is all smiles before her appearance in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman confirmation hearing Feb. 4, 2013 at the State Capitol in Albany. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Court of Appeals nominee Professor Jenny Rivera is all smiles...

Court of Appeals Nominee Jenny Rivera answers a question during the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary hearing on the nomination of Rivera at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Albany, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Senators take part in the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary hearing on the nomination of Jenny Rivera for the Court of Appeals at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Albany, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Senators take part in the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary...

Senator John Bonacic, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary, asks a question of Court of Appeals Nominee Jenny Rivera during a hearing at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Albany, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Senator John Bonacic, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on...

Court of Appeals Nominee Jenny Rivera answers a question during the Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary hearing on the nomination of Rivera at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013 in Albany, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)